My youngest daughter finishes her 14 year school career and turns 18 this month! Where did the time go!
She has had one teacher in particular who has nurtured her love of literature and encouraged and inspired her for the last 4 years.
So I offered to make her a bag, as a thank you. I already knew the bag I would make, patchworked and roomy enough to take school files.
I had it on good authority that 'said teacher's' favourite colours are black and grey - sadly the 2 colours I have least of in my bag making stash!
So I scrounged requested some sample swatches from a generous friend and my vision of a patchwork bag came alive!
My daughter loves the touch of velvets and soft wools so while I quilted some of the swatches, I left some of the more 'tactile' ones alone!
I took a risk with the purple lining, but the bag was delivered today and I'm pleased to report 'she loved it!' Phew!
Using swatches from (often free) sample books is a great way to make patchwork projects. Ask in Interiors and Curtain making shops for their last season's books.
However, working with swatches is very different from sewing with cotton.
Here are a few things to consider:
June is turning into a busy month of present making! I will have more to show you before the month is out!
Happy sewing!
This is beautiful Judith. I am sure her teacher was delighted.
Thanks Anne. It was a relief to get good feedback (she mentions it everytime she sees Bethany!!). Jxo
It's a wonderful bag!
And thanks for the tips. I have some samples to sew up, too. Never heard of upholstery thread though, is it poly thread? And what weight would it have? Thank you x
Hi Sandra, yes upholstery thread is polyester. Gutermann sell it (https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/gutermann-brown-upholstery-extra-strong-thread-100m-650/566316-1020) though it's expensive (weight not stated). I've also got from Empress Mills: https://www.empressmills.co.uk/?s=upholstery+thread&post_type=product (the first listing shown here) which is better value. The weight stated here is 36s Polycore. Hope that helps Jxo